David Croft (rugby player)

Rugger
name = David Croft


birthname = David Croft
nickname = Crofty
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|1979|2|22|df=y
placeofbirth = Brisbane, Queensland
height = convert|185|cm|ftin|abbr=on
weight = convert|99|kg|stlb|abbr=on
ru_position =Flanker|capital=yes
ru_nationalteam = Australia
ru_nationalyears = 2001
ru_nationalcaps =
ru_nationalpoints =
ru_ntupdate =
occupation = Professional rugby union footballer
school = St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane
super14 = Queensland Reds
super14years = 2000-2008
super14caps = 116
super14points = (45)
ru_currentclub = Brothers Old Boys
super14update = 2006

David Croft (born 22 February 1979 in Brisbane) plays openside flanker (Number 7) for the Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels and Brothers.

The personification of Queensland pride and determination, David Croft has also proved tough and durable, with an unbroken total of 81 consecutive Super Rugby appearances included in his first 103 games for Queensland since making his debut against the Chiefs in 2001.

David was Australian Super 12 Rookie of the Year in 2001.

A member of the 2003 Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad, David has also captained Australia A and the Queensland Reds. He played in the landmark Prime Minister’s XV team against Japan at the end of 2006 and for the World XV against South Africa in London. In 2007 he won the prestigious Pilecki Medal, the Reds' “Players’ Player” award.

Away from rugby, David is studying for a Bachelor of Business Management at the University of Queensland.

David has a strong commitment to charity, visiting the Philippines during May 2006 as part of the Anglican Border Mission Water Appeal. The program aims to raise money to tap fresh water into Philippine villages to prevent illness and to save valuable time sourcing and carrying fresh water.

On the 6th May 2008 he announced that the 2008 Super 14 rugby season would be his last. The final game of his Super rugby career was against the NSW Waratahs in what was his 94th consecutive appearance for the Reds. He will continue to play for his beloved rugby club, Brothers.

Croft will be remembered for the ferocity and passion he brought to the field. He asserts that the number of stitches his head has received over the years is 736, while his battles with NSW flanker Phil Waugh were a highlight of the inter-state matches.

External links

* [http://www.redsrugby.com.au/reds/reds.rugby/page/40227/section/40810 Queensland Reds Profile]